Kailey’s POV Ezekiel took a deep breath, his shoulders stiffening as he prepared to speak. “It started after Kailey was banished. My father… he…” He trailed off, his jaw tightening. “What?” I asked sharply, my arms crossed. “What did he do?” “He fell ill,” Ezekiel said finally. His voice was low, almost a whisper. “Not long after you were gone. It was as though the strength that kept him going just vanished. He grew weaker with each passing day, and nothing we did could save him. Eventually, he… he died.” Auren’s expression didn’t soften. Instead, his lips pressed into a thin line as he stared at Ezekiel. “So what? He got what he deserved,” Auren said coldly. “He sent my mom away. Why should I care about what happened to him?” “Auren,” I said softly, trying to calm him, but his glare cut me off. “No, Mom! Why does it matter? He didn’t care about us. He didn’t care about you!” Ezekiel’s voice broke through the rising tension. “You’re right,” he said, his gaze fixed on Auren. “He
Kailey’s POV As we stepped through the towering gates of the Blackwood Pack’s palace, a flood of memories washed over me. Some bitter, some sweet, but all deeply etched in my heart. Auren clung tightly to my hand, his gaze darting around suspiciously. His shoulders were tense, his distrust almost palpable. Elyra walked beside us, her sharp eyes scanning everything as though she were cataloging every detail. Ezekiel walked ahead, his steps confident but hesitant, as though he feared one wrong move might shatter whatever fragile truce we had."This is it," Ezekiel said, turning to us with a hesitant smile. "Welcome back to Blackwood." His voice carried a mix of pride and apprehension.Auren snorted. "Back? We never really belonged here."Ezekiel’s smile faltered, but he didn’t argue. Instead, he gestured toward the guards stationed at the entrance. "Make them as comfortable as possible," he instructed, his tone firm. "And gather everyone in the pack square this evening. I have an important
Ezekiel’s POV My desk was cluttered with papers—legal documents, treaties, and the single most important file of the night: the transfer of the Luna emblem from Anastasia to Kailey. I couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at the corner of my lips as I signed the final page. Kailey was back, and though the path ahead was uncertain, I was ready to fight for her.As my pen scratched across the last signature line, the door to my office burst open. Anastasia stormed in, her heels clicking sharply against the floor. Her face was flushed with anger, and her fiery eyes locked onto mine with a ferocity that promised a storm."Why?" she demanded, her voice trembling with rage. "Why would you bring her back?"I sighed, setting my pen down deliberately before meeting her gaze. "Anastasia, we’ve been through this. Kailey is the rightful Luna. She always has been.""Rightful?" she spat, slamming her palms on the edge of my desk. "I’ve stood by you, Ezekiel. Through every decision, every war, every
Ezekiel’s POV"No!" he snapped, stepping fully into the room. "I’m tired of this. Tired of everyone pretending he’s some savior just because the old man’s gone.""Auren," I said firmly, rising to my feet. "I’m not asking you to see me as a hero. I’m asking for a chance to prove I’m not the man my father was."He crossed his arms, glaring at me. "And how exactly are you going to do that? By dragging us back here and throwing us into this mess?"Kailey reached for him, but he stepped away, his frustration palpable. "You don’t understand, Mom. You shouldn’t even be here. This place isn’t safe. It never was.""Auren," Kailey said softly, her voice trembling. "I know you’re angry. I know you’ve been through so much. But we have to try. For the pack. For ourselves.""For him, you mean," Auren shot back, jerking his chin toward me. "You’re just letting him walk back into our lives like none of it ever happened.""That’s enough," I said, my voice sharp but controlled. "You don’t have to trust me, A
Ezekiel’s POVI was just there, still sitting in Ezekiel’s office. What am I even doing here? I asked myself for the hundredth time. My hands fidgeted with the edge of my dress as my mind swirled with doubts and emotions. I had to be here, yes. Ezekiel has hurt me in ways words can’t describe, but the pack’s curse had to be lifted, and my son deserved to know his father.“Phew,” I sighed, standing up. My legs felt heavy as I walked toward a massive portrait of Mark Ezekiel’s father hanging on the wall. The man’s cold eyes seemed to pierce right through me, dragging memories I wished would stay buried.That night… how could I forget? Mark Ezekiel had stood before the court, his voice a venomous growl as he condemned me. Banished me. Dragged me into darkness and despair. Even after that, he wasn’t satisfied. He wanted me dead. The pain of those memories clawed at my chest, anger simmering just beneath the surface.“Kailey?” A voice broke through my thoughts. I turned to see Auren standing
Kailey’s POV I lay in my room, staring at the ceiling as my mind churned with endless thoughts. The events of the past two days had been overwhelming, and doubt gnawed at me. Coming back to this pack had felt like the right decision then, but now? Now, I wasn’t so sure. Auren’s anger burned brighter than ever, and Ezekiel… well, he was trying, but nothing seemed enough to bridge the gap between them.I sighed heavily, pressing the heels of my palms to my eyes. “Was this a mistake?” I murmured to myself, my voice barely audible.Elyra had gone back to the woods to fetch a few things, leaving me alone with my thoughts. My son didn’t want anything to do with his father. That was the main reason I’d returned—to give Auren the connection he deserved, the father he’d never truly known. But it seemed I’d only stirred more chaos.A sharp knock on the door startled me.“Come in,” I called out, sitting up and smoothing my dress. The door creaked open, and Anastasia stepped in, her lips curled i
Ezekiel’s POVThe packhouse was unusually quiet tonight. I leaned back in my chair, rubbing my temples as I tried to focus on the stack of paperwork in front of me. It had been a long day—training schedules, rogue patrols, and disputes between pack members. My mind was a jumble of thoughts, but one stood out above the rest: Kailey.I smiled to myself, thinking about her. Bringing her and Auren back had been the right choice, though it had stirred more chaos than I anticipated. Still, it was worth it. I’d made my decision: Kailey was going to be my Luna. I just needed to handle things carefully, especially with Anastasia.I sighed, pushing the papers aside. What I really needed was a cup of coffee.“I could use a break,” I muttered to myself. “Maybe a strong coffee to clear my head.”“Why not?”The voice startled me. I looked up and saw Anastasia standing in the doorway, holding a steaming cup of coffee.For a moment, I was too stunned to speak. Anastasia, offering me coffee? That wasn’t jus
Ezekiel’s POVI narrowed my eyes. “Peace isn’t usually your priority, Anastasia.”She laughed softly, a sound that would have seemed pleasant if I didn’t know her better. “You’re so suspicious, Ezekiel. I brought you coffee earlier, and now I’m here to see if you’re okay. And somehow, that’s cause for concern?”“Considering the circumstances,” I said carefully, “yes. It is.”She walked closer, her hands clasped in front of her. “I know I’ve been… difficult lately. But I’ve been thinking about everything—about us, the pack, even Kailey and her son. Maybe it’s time I let go of the resentment.”Her words caught me off guard, but I kept my expression unreadable. “That’s… unexpected.”She smiled again, her gaze steady. “I’m trying, Ezekiel. Isn’t that what matters?”I studied her for a moment, searching for any sign of deception. She was calm, too calm, and it was unsettling.“Why now?” I asked finally. “Why the sudden change?”“Because I realized I was fighting a losing battle,” she said simply. “Y
Kailey’s POVThere was a knock on my door.“Who’s there?” I shouted, my voice laced with agitation.Aurnen was getting better, but every inch of me itched to leave his side and conduct my own investigation. Whoever wanted my son dead wouldn’t get away with it, but being stuck here, waiting for answers, was driving me mad. Every little thing seemed to set me off.The knock came again, louder this time.“Come in!” I shouted.The door opened hesitantly, and a maid stepped inside, her head bowed. “Sorry, Luna, for disturbing you,” she said timidly.“What is it?” I snapped, immediately regretting my tone but too on edge to soften it.“Alpha Ezekiel sent me to inform you,” she began, her voice barely above a whisper, “that you are needed in the courtroom. They’ve found who kidnapped Aurnen.”My heart stopped for a moment before hammering in my chest. “Really?”The maid nodded quickly. “Yes, Luna.”I was on my feet in seconds, practically flying out of the room. My mind raced with possibilities. They
Kailey’s POVFor the past three days, I hadn’t left Aurnen’s side. He had been in and out of consciousness, his small body wracked with the aftereffects of shock. I’d barely eaten or slept, my world revolving around the fragile state of my son. I couldn’t shake the feeling that this place, this pack, wasn’t safe for us.As I sat beside Aurnen, gently stroking his hair, Elyra entered the room. Her concerned eyes softened as she saw the worry etched across my face.“Kailey,” she began, her voice gentle yet firm. “You’ve been through so much, but you’re stronger than this. Aurnen needs you to be strong.”I looked up at her, the fear in my heart almost suffocating. “I can’t do this, Elyra. This place isn’t right for me or my son. I was telling you before that we should leave, and I still believe it. I don’t feel safe here.”Elyra sat beside me, placing a comforting hand on mine. “Kailey, this is your birthright. You’re the rightful Luna of this pack. You shouldn’t have to live in fear. The pa
Kailey’s POV"Pass me the bowl of warm water," I said quietly to the maid beside me. Though I spoke calmly, inside I felt a storm of fear and anger. The maid handed over the bowl, her hands trembling. I dipped a soft towel into the water, gently dabbing it on Aurnen's arm. His deep cut looked angry and red, but the bleeding had stopped."Poor boy," I murmured, brushing his dark hair away from his forehead. Aurnen finally seemed at peace, his breathing steady. Earlier, his fever had been dangerously high, but now it was subsiding. "Thank the goddess," I whispered, checking his temperature again.The maid fidgeted nervously. "I'm sorry, Your Highness," she began, her voice shaky. "I should have been more alert. I—"I raised my hand to silence her, focusing on Aurnen with a commanding presence. "Enough. What's done is done. Apologies won't change anything now." My tone was firm but not harsh, my attention solely on my son.Aurnen stirred slightly, whimpering softly. My heart ached, and I whi
Ezekiel’s POV“Keep an eye on Kailey and my son,” I ordered the guards stationed outside her room. My voice was like steel, cutting through the air with authority. My glare bore into each of them, leaving no room for error. They immediately straightened, gripping their swords tightly.“Yes, Your Highness,” they replied in unison.Without another word, I turned on my heel and strode down the corridor. My blood was boiling, anger pumping through my veins like fire. Someone had dared to kidnap my son. My son! The audacity was maddening.As I entered the garden, the crisp night air failed to cool my fury. My fists were clenched at my sides, my jaw tight as I replayed the events in my head. Who would dare challenge me like this? And why?Lost in thought, I didn’t notice the maid rounding the corner until she bumped into me. The collision jolted me from my thoughts, and I snapped.“Watch where you’re going!” My voice was sharp, louder than I intended.The maid’s face turned pale, and she stumbl
Kailey’s POV“Stop,” Elyra said firmly. “We can’t think like that. Aurnen needs you to be strong. Ezekiel needs you to be strong.”“Ezekiel?” I scoffed. “Do you think he’s ever truly cared about me? About Aurnen?”Elyra’s eyes softened. “I know you’ve had your doubts about him, but he’s doing everything he can to bring Aurnen back. You have to trust him.”Before I could respond, another guard entered the room, his face pale. “Luna Kailey, we’ve found something.”“What is it?” I demanded, my heart pounding.He held out a small, silver bracelet. “This was found in the woods near the border. It belongs to the prince.”I snatched the bracelet from his hand, my fingers trembling. “Where exactly did you find it?”“Near the riverbank,” he replied. “But there’s something else. We found tracks leading deeper into the forest. They were faint, but they’re fresh.”“Then what are we waiting for?” I said, already moving toward the door. “We need to follow them!”“Kailey,” Elyra called, stopping me in my tra
Kailey’s POVI was pacing in the room, left, right, and center. My thoughts were a chaotic mess, spiraling out of control as my emotions battled for dominance. Restless, angry, and scared—I was a whirlwind of all three, with no outlet for relief. My hands balled into fists as my chest heaved with each labored breath. At that moment, I even started wishing I had remained in the woods with Elyra.“Shut up,” I muttered to myself, disgusted by the thought. “How could you even think that? How could you wish something like that?”My voice cracked as tears spilled over. Punching the wall beside me, I ignored the sharp jolt of pain that shot up my arm. It was nothing compared to the ache in my chest. My son was missing. My precious Aurnen was gone, and I didn’t know if I’d ever see him again.The door burst open, and Elyra rushed in, her face etched with worry. “Kailey! I came as fast as I could when I heard the news. What happened?”I collapsed into her arms, sobbing uncontrollably. “Someone t
Kailey’s POV"Aurnen has been kidnapped."I stared at the guard who had just uttered those words, my mind spinning. For a moment, I thought I had misheard him."Are you trying to tell me that my son has been taken?" My voice trembled with disbelief. "How? When? Where?!"Everything around me blurred, and Ezekiel’s voice, sharp and commanding, faded in and out of my consciousness. It was as if the world had tilted, and I was struggling to stay upright. My heart pounded so hard it felt like it would burst out of my chest."Where is my son?!" I suddenly shouted, my voice rising in panic. Before I realized it, I had grabbed the guard by the collar. My vision blurred with tears of anger and fear, and my hands shook as I tightened my grip."How could you let this happen?" I yelled, raising my hand, ready to slap him.Ezekiel’s strong hand caught mine midair. "Kailey, stop!" His voice was firm but not unkind. "Let me handle this."I looked at him, my breaths coming in ragged gasps. His golden eyes b
Kailey’s POV"I really had a good time with Ezekiel... I feel it was basically the best ever," I murmured to myself as I stepped into my room. A contented sigh escaped me. The entire day had been a whirlwind of emotions, from our romantic dinner to the way he held me like I was his whole world.But now, all I wanted was a warm bath. My body felt drained, like I had been running on pure adrenaline since last night. From the moment Ezekiel whisked me away to the woods for our evening together, it had been an emotional rollercoaster filled with love and affection.And Cecilia—oh, how it had peppered her to see me with Ezekiel. I couldn’t help the laugh that bubbled in my mind as I thought about the stunned look on her face. “Finally, I have my man to myself,” I said aloud, a small smile tugging at my lips.I stretched my arms over my head and stood up from the edge of the bed. My muscles ached slightly, a dull reminder of the tension and release of the day.“Time for a bath,” I said to mys
Kailey’s POVAs we got back from the woods, Ezekiel held my hand firmly, his warmth seeping into me. His grip was strong but comforting, like he never wanted to let go.“Where are we going?” I asked, giving him a curious side glance.“You’ll see,” he replied, a mischievous smile playing on his lips.The sun was setting, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple. We walked through the pack’s main path until we reached the dining area. As soon as I stepped in, my breath hitched. The room was stunningly arranged with flowers of every color, their sweet aroma filling the air. Candlelight flickered softly, casting a romantic glow over the space.“Ezekiel,” I whispered, unable to keep the awe out of my voice. “What is all this?”He turned to me, his golden eyes shimmering with pride. “This is for you, my love. Just a little something to show how much you mean to me.”My cheeks heated up, and I couldn’t suppress the smile spreading across my face. “You really outdid yourself,” I said, biting m